Alex Tanguay huddled with Calgary Flames owner Murray Edwards Saturday night after the team closed out its NHL schedule at the Saddledome against the Vancouver Canucks.

But Tanguay could only giggle a little when asked if he was getting an early jump on negotiations and skipping the middle men sure to be involved before the talented winger becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Realistically, Tanguay could be laughing all the way to the bank.

The 31-year-old earned just US$1.7 million this year and is due a big raise after a 69-point comeback season with the Flames.

No formal negotiations have taken place, but the team has expressed interest in retaining Tanguay's services. Likewise, Tanguay wants to stay.

But that's where business comes into play.

He took a big pay cut to come here and suit up alongside Jarome Iginla again because he knew it could revitalize his career.

He might let a little salary slide to stick around, but there's no way he's leaving millions of dollars on the table even if he gets a long-term deal that means his family can settle down in one spot after swapping cities the last three years.

"As a player, and as a person, you like stability in your life. Term is obviously one (factor)," Tanguay said. "You are always looking for stability and a great situation, whether it's for your family or your career. But it is a business.

"If you go grocery shopping at a store and it costs you twice as much for the same product, you will go to the other place."